Nathan Schwartz Salant

On July 13, 2024, a gunman named Thomas Crooks opened fire on a campaign rally crowd near Butler, Pennsylvania, where Donald Trump was speaking. Trump sustained a gunshot wound to his ear, and one attendee was killed, with two others injured. The shooter was killed by Secret Service agents shortly after beginning his attack. The incident highlighted significant security lapses, leading to calls for the resignation of the Secret Service director and prompting an independent review of security protocols. Conspiracy theories emerged regarding the shooter's motives and the security failures. The event appeared to galvanize Trump's supporters in the subsequent election.

During a campaign rally on July 13, 2024, Donald Trump was targeted in an assassination attempt. Thomas Crooks, a 20-year-old, fired at Trump from a rooftop, striking him in the ear. The attack also resulted in the death of an audience member and injuries to two others. Secret Service agents quickly intervened, shielding Trump and neutralizing the shooter. Images of Trump, bloodied but defiant, quickly circulated online. He was treated for his injuries and released the same day, later appearing at the Republican National Convention with a bandage. This event was considered a major security failure for the Secret Service, prompting investigations and reforms.

The security arrangements at the rally were heavily scrutinized following the attack. Despite intelligence suggesting potential threats, the shooter was able to access a vantage point outside the established security perimeter and was observed by law enforcement prior to the incident, though he evaded capture. The venue's security setup, including the positioning of counter-sniper teams, was also questioned. The director of the Secret Service resigned amid bipartisan pressure after testifying before Congress. An independent review was ordered, and enhanced security measures, such as bulletproof glass at outdoor rallies, were subsequently implemented. The lack of clarity surrounding the shooter and the security lapses fueled conspiracy theories among the public.

The rally took place in Pennsylvania, a key swing state, shortly before the 2024 Republican National Convention. Trump had faced a prior, less severe incident at a rally in 2016. Intelligence reports indicated heightened concerns about potential assassination plots against Trump prior to the July 13 event, though the specific threat that materialized was not apparently foreseen. The assassination attempt had a demonstrable effect on the election, with a significant portion of voters citing it as a primary reason for their support of Trump.